Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar

Kim Kelly, a labor reporter and author of "Fight Like Hell," joins the discussion on significant labor movements in the U.S. Recently, fast food workers and coal miners have been striking for fair wages and better conditions, with labor shortages changing the power dynamics in the workplace. The dialogue also touches on Kyrsten Sinema's questionable ties to pharma money and Kamala Harris's declining approval ratings. A critique of Ivy Getty's opulent wedding highlights the stark divide between the elite and working-class struggles, emphasizing the need for solidarity.

Krystal and Saagar dive into the rising inflation that is impacting working-class Americans and the complex causes behind it. They tackle the ongoing internal strife within the GOP and the push for unionization at Starbucks. The duo also critiques the media's handling of political narratives, especially concerning Russiagate and prominent figures like Adam Schiff. Additionally, they discuss how billionaires like Jeff Bezos are affecting national space initiatives and emphasize the need for effective messaging to bridge the gap with working-class voters ahead of the 2022 elections.

Glenn Greenwald, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist known for his incisive commentary on political issues, joins the conversation. They dive into Biden's plummeting approval ratings and examine the implications of Elon Musk's tax strategies. The tragic Astroworld events are scrutinized, especially concerning Travis Scott's role. Greenwald also unpacks the controversies surrounding Russiagate, critiquing media narratives and their effects on public trust. The discussion further touches on educational inequalities and the challenges of free speech in academia.

Kyle Kondik, managing editor at Sabato's Crystal Ball and author of "The Long Red Thread," joins the conversation to dive into the implications of the recent infrastructure bill. They discuss the court's halt of Biden's vaccine mandate and worker strikes reshaping the labor landscape. The tragic Astroworld incident is dissected, along with the corporate influence on political narratives. Kondik analyzes the shifting electoral results in Virginia and New Jersey, reflecting Republican gains and emerging voter dynamics as the midterms approach.

Dive into the murky waters of political corruption as the hosts dissect insider trading allegations and the consequences of powerful leaders prioritizing self-interest. Uncover the disconnect between public desires and government actions, especially on tax proposals. The discussion also touches on Trump's remarks regarding Israel and their implications. Finally, they shine a light on the media's failure to cover labor rights, emphasizing the urgent need for advocacy and support for striking workers.

Marshall Kosloff, a political analyst, fills in to discuss the recent election outcomes, focusing on Virginia’s GOP shift and voter dissatisfaction. Oren Cass, from American Compass, sheds light on evolving worker attitudes toward unions amid the Great Resignation. They explore the impact of economic issues on voting behavior and the media's fixation on cultural narratives. The duo analyzes the implications of the SALT tax for wealthier individuals and the Biden administration's need for a strategic reset to address worker concerns more effectively.

The struggle between progressives and Manchin sparks fierce discussions on legislative challenges. Virginia's gubernatorial race reveals shifting candidate dynamics and the impact of Trump on support. Investigations into Epstein's financial connections shed light on corporate accountability. A look at the NRA’s internal turmoil shows how a motivated minority influences political discourse. Jon Stewart’s confrontation with corporate greed highlights media's role in shaping public opinion, while Katie Couric's memoir raises ethical concerns in journalism.

The discussion highlights the critical Virginia gubernatorial race, where Democrats struggle with voter enthusiasm. Biden's plummeting approval ratings reflect a nation feeling off course. The podcast also examines the charges against Andrew Cuomo and the uneven media coverage, alongside a critique of potential 2024 Democratic contenders like Kamala Harris and Pete Buttigieg. The emergence of the 'Let's Go Brandon' meme symbolizes a shift in public sentiment against Biden, signaling deeper political discontent as the country faces significant challenges.

Batya Ungar-Sargon, author of "Bad News," critiques the rise of woke media and its impact on democracy, urging for a more inclusive narrative in journalism. David Sirota discusses disillusionment with the Democratic Party, emphasizing their focus on Wall Street over voter needs. They also delve into delays surrounding JFK assassination files, questioning government transparency. The conversation highlights how political betrayal fuels voter apathy and the importance of working-class unity against elite interests.

Gabriel Shipton, brother of Julian Assange and advocate for his release, shares deep insights into the ongoing legal battle surrounding Assange's case. He highlights the stark injustices faced by whistleblowers in the U.S. legal system, emphasizing the implications for press freedom and human rights. Discussions also delve into the broader themes of corporate disinformation, labor dynamics, and food inflation. Shipton calls for public activism, urging listeners to raise awareness about these critical issues.